"The maritime event, 'Heart project' Hanse Sail, attracted a impressive crowd of 500,000 attendees"
The picturesque city of Rostock, Germany, is set to host the 35th Hanse Sail from August 6 to 9, 2026. This world-renowned traditional sailing ship festival attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the largest of its kind.
The event offers a unique maritime experience, featuring majestic sailing ships and historic vessels. This year, over 120 traditional ships from nine nations will grace the waters of Rostock. The French three-masted bark "Belem," serving as the flagship of the event, will be present. Notably, the "Belem" will carry the Olympic flame from Greece to Paris in 2024.
Approximately 3,500 guests were welcomed on board the "Belem" during the festival. To cater to the large crowd, more ships offered short trips to compensate for any ship cancellations. Despite a few minor incidents, such as twelve offenses related to the Hanse Sail, including bodily harm, drunk driving, and thefts, the police reported that the event was harmonious, peaceful, and largely trouble-free.
Rostock's Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger described the Hanse Sail as a "true labor of love" and the best advertisement for Rostock. The event significantly boosts the city's profile as a cultural and tourist destination, while also showcasing its port capabilities with live logistics demonstrations.
Strengthening the city’s cultural scene, the Hanse Sail integrates music festivals, museums, and other cultural attractions that visitors can enjoy alongside the maritime event. Local businesses and startups also benefit from the event's wider networking and economic ecosystem, including interactions with companies like Stena Line and AI health startups during Hanse Sail-related events.
For those planning to attend, a visit to Rostock's 35th Hanse Sail promises an unforgettable maritime celebration that powers the city's economy and culture. Join over 1.5 million visitors and witness the majesty of traditional sailing ships, experience the vibrant cultural events, and explore the cutting-edge port operations—an experience not to be missed!
[1] Rostock Tourism [2] Hanse Sail Rostock [3] Port of Rostock [4] Stena Line [5] AI Health Startups
Entertainment opportunities at Rostock during the Hanse Sail event include music festivals, visits to museums, and other cultural attractions, offering visitors a rich blend of history, art, and modern innovation. The sports enthusiast can look forward to witnessing more than 120 traditional ships from nine nations engage in mesmerizing maritime races as a part of the festival. [1], [2], [3], [5]
